Have you ever faced the sting of razor bumps or the burn of a nick while shaving your head? We've all been there, and let's be honest, it's anything but pleasant.
Our scalps are one of our most sensitive skin layers, and baldies should take extra care, especially when shaving.
If you want to maintain a healthy scalp and avoid razor burns, razor bumps, and skin irritation, applying shaving cream and gel should be a part of your head-shaving routine.
Join me as we list the best shaving cream for head shaving and learn how to apply them before a shave.
11 Best Shaving Creams and Gels For Head Shaving
#1 Freebird Soothing Shave Gel - My Top Pick
If you're looking for a shave gel that provides a smooth, comfortable shave and nourishes your skin and hair follicles, look no further.
Freebird's Soothing Shave Gel is my top pick for the best shaving cream for head shaving since it does the above and is the best partner for my Freebird FlexSeries shaver. The gel's lighter consistency doesn't clog my rotary blades compared to the thicker texture of other shaving creams.
The soothing shave gel is also perfect for sensitive skin coz it's made with gentle ingredients. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free.
Backed by Freebird's 30-day trial and money-back guarantee, you'll surely get your money's worth when you order the soothing shave gel.
For best results, leave the gel on your scalp for 30 seconds before shaving. After you're done, rinse the residue and towel dry.
Head shaving has never been so easy and quick.
#2 Headblade HeadSlick Shaving Cream - Best All-Around Shaving Cream
The HeadSlick mentholated shaving cream is another good option as the best shaving cream for head shavers. The guys at Headblade know their stuff, and their specialty is coming out with products specifically designed for baldies.
They didn't add fragrance, which is good news for those irritated by scented shaving creams. Rinsing it off is also easy since it's water-soluble and leaves your scalp feeling fresh.
#3 Proraso Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream - Best For Sensitive Skin
Do you have sensitive skin like me? You should look for a shaving cream that won't cause skin irritation. Proraso's Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream will surely impress you. To soothe your skin and help prevent razor burn and skin irritation, Proraso added oatmeal and green tea to their shaving cream. They're also strict about staying away from parabens, mineral oils, silicon, artificial colors, and other ingredients that can irritate your skin.
Backed by close to 115 years of experience in the shaving game, you can surely trust Proraso to live up to its billing.
So what are you waiting for? Prep your electric shaver for sensitive skin and lather your dome with the top shaving cream for sensitive skin.
#4 Bee Bald Premium Shave Cream - Best Value for Money
Who said you have to spend a fortune on a premium shaving cream? Bee Bald Premium Shave Cream is another top pick for head shavers on a budget. Bee Bald is one of those products designed specifically with our smooth domes in mind, so you're sure to get a quality shaving cream.
Do you love bee pollen? It's no surprise. We all know the benefits we can get from bee pollen, and Bee Bald lives up to its name by adding pollen extract to the cream to moisturize and smoothen our scalps.
Value for money? You bet.
#5 The Art Of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream - Best Luxury Shave Cream
The Art of Shaving Sandalwood shave cream is a bit pricey, but for good reason. It's a solid performer that doesn't leave the scalp dry after shaving. If you love the smell of sandalwood, you'll be pleased because it lingers on the skin.
Made from Sandalwood essential oils, the scent smells natural and isn't overpowering. You'll get a rich, foamy lather that keeps your skin from irritation and leaves it silky smooth.
#6 Clinique For Men Cream Shave
They say that a rich lather is essential to get a closer shave. With the Clinique Cream Shave for Men, you'll enjoy all the lather you need for a smooth head-shaving experience. It's fragrance-free and tested for allergies, which is good news for head shavers with sensitive skin.
Do you get acne whenever you shave? No need to worry. The Clinique Cream shave is non-acnegenic and also works for all skin types.
#7 Clubman Head Shave Gel
If you're frustrated with using harsh chemicals that cause skin irritation, the Clubman head-shaving gel is what you've been waiting for. It provides smooth lubrication and keeps your scalp moisturized and free from irritation. Enhanced with natural ingredients like aloe vera, lavender, and chamomile, your bald head will thank you for shaving with the Clubman head shave gel.
#8 Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel - Best For Dry Skin
Another high-end shave gel that's worth the price, the Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel doesn't disappoint. It provides excellent lubrication and protects skin from razor burns and razor bumps. Our scalp is more sensitive than our face, so spending more for a good shaving cream is a good idea.
You'll surely notice the difference if you're used to putting the good stuff on your scalp and suddenly switching to cheaper alternatives.
Some reviews even show that the gel heals minor nicks and cuts. You just let the shave gel sit on your cut for a while, and you'll see that it heals quicker.
#9 Nivea Men Sensitive Skin Shave Gel
Nivea designed this shave gel for men with sensitive skin, and they did a good job. It's alcohol and dye-free and infused with chamomile and witch hazel extracts. Dermatologically tested to work for men with sensitive skin.
Thick and foamy shaving creams may clog your electric shaver, so shaving gels may be a better option in this situation. The Nivea shave gel can keep up with the top shaving creams and leave you with a smooth and refreshed scalp.
#10 Harry's Shave Gel with Aloe Vera
Harry's shave gel lathers you up, keeping your skin hydrated and smooth. It contains aloe and cucumber and comes with a great scent that users love. It may cost a premium compared to other brands, but users say that you get bang for your buck. Blades glide smoothly, and natural ingredients soothe the scalp, allowing you to shave daily.
#11 Head Shave Club Shave Gel
An electric razor needs a good partner for the ultimate shaving experience. The Head Shave Club shave gel provides the perfect blend of lubrication and hydration that keeps your smooth dome protected and shiny.
Too much lather can make it hard to see and feel where you're shaving. The Head Shave Club shave gel produces no lather and smells great.
Buy from their website.
What to look for in shaving creams for the head
Types
Choosing a lubricating product for our scalps can be overwhelming. There are many products out there, and picking one will boil down to personal preference. Let's look at the different types of shaving creams, gels, and soap you can buy.
Shaving creams: The Classic Pick. Thick and full of lather, shave creams usually have a thick consistency and work well for head shavers who use safety razors.
Shaving gels: Lightweight and easy to rinse, shaving gels are ideal partners for electric shavers because they have a thinner texture that may not clog electric razor blades.
Latherless creams: Imagine having an invisible shield as you shave. Latherless creams have a super thick consistency without the foamy fuss. It's good for bald heads who want a streamlined shave.
Shaving foams: Not a good choice for head shavers, shaving foams have a fluffy and airy texture that provides less lubrication, leading to dry skin and skin irritation.
Shaving soaps: Soap bars last longer than shaving creams and can be used as a regular bar soap if you prefer.
Ingredients
The search for the best shaving cream for head shavers starts with choosing the best ingredients. Similar to cooking, the art of shaving requires the best ingredients for best results. Baldies want healthy skin, so avoiding harsh chemicals, artificial colors, and overly scented shaving products is the best way to go.
Hydrators: Shaving can be harsh on our sensitive scalps, and we often end up with dry and flaky heads. Ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter on your cream or gels are good to keep your scalp moisturized.
Soothers: Sensitive skin? Aloe vera, oatmeal, and chamomile are your best buddies. They soothe and calm your skin and prevent razor burns and pesky bumps.
Lubricants: A smooth glide is essential to a comfortable head shave. Choose quality shaving cream with glycerin and fatty acids for a smooth shave.
Fragrance
Every bald head wants to smell good after a shave. However, we must avoid buying shaving products with too much fragrance because they irritate our scalp. For bald men with sensitive skin, choose unscented creams and gels or those with light and natural ingredients.
How to Apply Shaving Cream Correctly
While you can apply shaving cream with your hands, using a shaving brush has its benefits.
softens hair
exfoliates skin
lifts hair
Apply these steps to apply shaving cream with your shaving brush:
#1 Soak your shaving brush in warm water for 30 seconds
#2 Take a warm shower to soften hair. Warm water softens hair and opens up pores for a smoother shave.
#3 Apply a generous amount of cream or gel around three-quarters of an inch onto your shaving brush
#4 Using a shaving mug, whip the shaving cream into a rich lather
#5 Lastly, apply the cream or gel to your scalp with your shaving brush. Let it sit a minute, allowing it to work its magic.
After shaving, don't forget to use a moisturizer and apply sunscreen if you go out on a sunny day.
The Bottom Line
While some may have tough skin and can get by with dry shaving, the safest way to avoid irritation is by using creams and gels.
I prefer to wet shave since dry shaving with an electric shaver resulted in razor burn in my neck area. Lesson learned.
I now use a good shaving cream with coconut oil every time I shave my head.
We hope our comprehensive guide helped you pick the right shaving products for you.
Happy Shaving!
FAQ
Does shaving cream work on hair?
Shaving creams helps soften hair and protect your sensitive skin. It's an essential part of your head-shaving routine.
What is the best razor for head shaving?
Again, personal preference applies here. Some may prefer traditional safety razors, while some may use modern electric shavers. Read our comprehensive guide on razors vs electric shavers to learn more.
Should I use shaving cream with a head shaver?
Yes, whether you're old school and use a safety razor or techie that prefers electric razors, shaving creams and gels should be a part of your shaving routine. If you prefer a wet shave, choosing the best shaving creams should be your first step in your shaving routine.
Can you use shaving gel for the head?
Gels do not foam compared to traditional creams, making them easier to apply. Barbers prefer gels over creams because they're transparent and help them see where they shave. Gels also prevent clogging electric razor blades due to their thinner consistency.
Does shaving cream expire?
Yes, it does. So keep track of your shaving cream's expiration date since it won't be as effective as before. Not only that, using expired shaving cream may result in skin irritation and infection. To extend the life of your shaving cream store it in a cool and dry place away from direct contact with the sun.
Is shaving cream toxic?
Some shaving creams may contain potentially toxic chemicals like mineral oil which comes from petroleum or the gasoline we put into our cars. Propylene glycol is another common ingredient found in traditional shaving creams that is an ingredient found in our brake fluid and anti-freeze. Another irritant we can find in shaving creams is SLS or sodium lauryl sulfate. SLS is a surfactant that gives creams their foamy texture.
Is shaving cream flammable?
If you are using an aerosol can, yes. Shaving cream is flammable due to isobutane, the propellant that makes the cream come out of the can. Another flammable ingredient in traditional shaving creams is isopentane, which acts as a degreaser to make hair stay erect while shaving.
Does shaving cream clog drains?
While shaving cream alone may not clog drains, the combination of shaving cream and hair can create a paste that may slow down your drains. Putting drain screens is the best solution in this situation as it prevents the hair and shaving cream mixture from going down the drain.
Is shaving cream necessary?
Today's modern electric shavers allow dry shaving, which in some cases makes shaving cream unnecessary. If you shave with a traditional razor, shaving cream is a must to avoid cuts and razor burn.
Shaver's who prefer a wet shave using their electric shaver will also benefit from using shaving cream.
